20 Nations Back Somalia Sovereignty

More than twenty countries have jointly reaffirmed Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, strongly opposing Israel’s recent engagement with Somaliland, a self-declared separatist region of Somalia.

In a statement released early Friday, the countries rejected Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland as an independent entity. They called on Israel to immediately withdraw that recognition, stressing that Somalia’s unity and internationally recognized borders must be respected.

The statement was endorsed by 21 countries: Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Bangladesh, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, The Gambia, Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Maldives, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Somalia, Sudan, and Türkiye. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation also supported the declaration.

The signatories criticized the recent visit by Israel’s foreign minister to Somaliland, warning that actions encouraging separatism could deepen instability in an already fragile region. They emphasized that such moves undermine international law and risk escalating regional tensions.

The statement praised Somalia’s continued commitment to peaceful diplomacy and adherence to international norms. It underscored that unilateral recognition of breakaway regions is unacceptable and counterproductive.

Earlier this week, Israel’s foreign minister publicly announced efforts to strengthen ties with Somaliland and confirmed that Somaliland’s president had accepted an invitation to visit Israel. These remarks followed Israel becoming the only country to formally recognize Somaliland.

Somaliland authorities have denied claims that the recognition would allow foreign military bases on its territory or be used for relocating Palestinians from Gaza. Israel has previously promoted what it describes as voluntary migration of Palestinians from the enclave.